Watford to name new boss

The club's board spent yesterday interviewing the shortlisted candidates for the vacant post after whittling down the original list of 30 applicants.

They are understood to have been deliberating until late last night over the successor to Ray Lewington, who was sacked last week.

A press conference will be held at Vicarage Road at midday to announce the new manager.

But the post will not be filled by former Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler or Yeovil manager Gary Johnson, who was the club's first choice for the job but was not willing to leave the League Two leaders until the end of the season.

Watford chairman Graham Simpson promised last week that the club would appoint a "young, progressive manager" from the lower divisions.

The board interviewed their final shortlist of six candidates yesterday afternoon.

MARTIN ALLEN blamed inexperience for Brentford's failure to beat Peterborough. His side dominated for long periods of yesterday's 0-0 draw at Griffin Park but struggled to break down a belligerent defence. The point leaves Brentford in seventh place in League One, separated from the play-off positions on goal difference. Allen said: "We had a couple cleared off the line but we never created a great deal of chances. When the players find themselves where we are, as quickly in their careers, it takes time. It takes these experiences to learn how to cope with it." Brentford missed the attacking flair of suspended striker Deon Burton, who is also banned for Saturday's trip to Stockport. New signing Marcus Gayle did not play due to a hamstring problem but could feature at Edgeley Park.

LEYTON ORIENT scored their quickest ever goal in a 2-2 draw at Oxford. Lee Steele took 12 seconds to fire Orient ahead but Oxford hit back through Steve Basham and then took a second-half lead when Tommy Mooney volleyed home. Michael Simpson equalised for Orient before Gary Alexander saw his header come back off the post from Steele's cross.

BARNET'S champagne is on ice after Paul Fairclough's side moved to within three points of promotion with a 1-0 home win against Canvey Island yesterday. Victory at Northwich Victoria on Saturday will be enough to seal the title and end the club's fouryear exile outside the league.

AFC WIMBLEDON won promotion to the Ryman Premier Division with a 3-0 victory over Dorking. A draw against Walton & Hersham on Saturday would see them promoted as champions. It was the second successive promotion for the club set up by fans opposed to Wimbledon's move to Milton Keynes.